“This £5 Drug Store Staple Saved Me From Breaking Out On My Wedding Day”
In the lead-up to a big life event, like your wedding, there are plenty of things you can control: the guest list, the run sheet, the time, the location, et cetera. Something you can’t always control, though, is your skin – something my body decided to remind me of the days before my wedding. When a deep and tender breakout started brewing on the side of my cheek, I was looking for quick and effective solutions – admittedly, with some desperation.
So when a friend asked me if I’d tried Sudocrem before – I hadn’t – I had plenty of questions. Spoiler alert: It worked a dream, no spot in sight, so I decided to chat with two experts – Dr Shirin Lakhani Aesthetics Doctor & GP, and Dr Keiron Lord, NHS doctor and Clinical Assistant Professor – to get some answers.
Why does Sudocrem work on breakouts?
“Sudocrem has been a popular treatment for acne for years as it contains 15.29% zinc oxide and 0.39% benzyl alcohol,” explains Dr Lakhani. “Zinc oxide has soothing, protective and astringent properties, while benzyl alcohol has local anaesthetic and disinfectant properties. Both of these together can potentially make irritated, inflamed acne feel calmer.”
Sudocrem has been a popular treatment for acne for years as it contains 15.29% zinc oxide and 0.39% benzyl alcohol.
Dr Lakhani
How to apply it
“Apply a tiny amount directly to clean, dry skin rather than spreading a thick layer over the entire face, and I would avoid using it night after night,” advises Lakhani. “I’d initially use it on one or two spots rather than applying it extensively, particularly if you have sensitive skin. Don’t apply Sudocrem to spots that have been squeezed or with broken skin as a damaged skin barrier can increase inflammation and potentially increase the risk of pigmentation or scarring. If the area becomes red, itchy, sore, excessively dry or develops a rash, stop using it.”
How long does it take to see results?
For any individual with an inflamed spot, someone may notice that it looks calmer, less red, and feels less uncomfortable over a few days if they use Sudocrem, but I wouldn’t promise Sudocrem will make the spot disappear overnight.
Dr Lord
Is it suitable for everyone?
“Be particularly cautious if you have very oily, acne-prone or congestion-prone skin, because Sudocrem is a relatively rich barrier cream containing ingredients including paraffin, waxes and lanolin, which cause congestion and irritation if you are already prone to this.
“If you have persistent, moderate-to-severe or cystic acne, or you’re developing scarring, I recommend seeing a dermatologist or GP rather than using Sudocrem for proper acne management
The verdict
“If you’re regularly getting spots, it’s much better to establish a consistent skincare and treatment routine that targets why the acne is happening in the first place,” concludes Dr Lakhani.
It can be beneficial for occasional spot care; it is inexpensive, widely accessible and has soothing properties; however, it is not for treating acne as a condition.
Dr Lakhani
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